A Delicate Balance of Power

Bali's Power Deficit at Manageable Levels as PLN Struggles to Avoid Scheduled Power Cuts on the Island.

(7/21/2008) Widespread concerns may prove unfounded that Bali will suffer scheduled blackouts due to the continuing supply problems within the Java-Bali power grid. Despite power shortfalls caused by breakdowns at major power generating stations on Java, Bali's current power deficit stands only 9 megawatts.

According to a spokesman for the State Power Board (PLN) in Bali, Agung Mastika, the current shortfall in power is still within manageable limits and will remain so if consumers will assist PLN by practicing conservation in their use of electrical power.

The situation is much more dire on Bali's near neighbor of Java. Consumers across that island Java are experiencing "electrical rationing" with scheduled blackouts between July 11-25 and major industrial users compelled to shift a part of their production schedules to weekend periods.

Bali is currently being supplied with 562 megawatts of power by PLN.

To help increase power supplies in Bali and reduce dependence on energy sources from Java, a large coal-powered generating station is being constructed in North Bali.

The Executive Director of the Bali Consumers Association, Ketut Udi Prayudi, has called on PLN to do all possible to maintain a reliable source of electricity to Bali and its tourism industry. At the same time, Prayudi, is urging consumers to practice conservation at every opportunity to save money and reduce the burden placed on PLN.